Recreation Manitoba is currently seeking individuals to become instructors in our Aquatics Operator Course and someone/company to handle our digital media.

Course Instructor: Aquatics Operator Course

You are;

• someone with a background in managing aquatics facilities with at least eight years of experience, have taken and passed the Aquatics Operator Course and or the Certified Pool Operator Course. Outgoing and good communicator. Someone who prides themself on staying up to date on the latest industry trends. Wants to train your peers to help Manitoba provide safe efficient facilities that contribute to the well being of communities and individuals.
  
• This is part time contract position.
  

View the complete posting at this link

Digital Media Coordinator

• Someone/company to manage our digital media. This would include our social media accounts, and newsletter.
• This is an opportunity for an independent contractor or someone looking for a casual part time position.

The goal of the role is to;

• Increase engagement with Recreation Manitoba members and followers.
• Increase awareness of Recreation Manitoba programs, services and events.
• Promote the importance and benefits of parks and recreation.

CPRA is now accepting nominations for the 2022 CPRA Awards Program. The Awards are presented to individuals/organizations/corporations (including a municipality or government agency/department) who have demonstrated a high level of commitment, passion and leadership on a national level to the parks and recreation sector. Click here to learn about past Award recipients.

The CPRA National Awards Program recognizes the following:                           

• CPRA President’s Award of Distinction – Long-term service and commitment of individuals to the parks and recreation sector on a national scale in Canada.
• CPRA Partnership Award – Sector partners (organizations/corporations/governments) whose collaboration, creativity, and innovation enrich individual health and community well-being and enhance Canada’s parks and recreation community.
• CPRA Emerging Leader Award – The importance of supporting and celebrating young Canadians, as they are the future leaders of the parks and recreation sector.

CPRA encourages you to consider nominating an individual or organization for one of these prestigious national awards. The nomination process is simple and fast.

Download the full awards description and nomination form.

Award Nomination Timelines

January 2022                      Call for nominations for CPRA National Awards

March 30, 2022                 Close of nominations for the CPRA National Awards

May 2022                            Confirmation of successful nominees

For more information on the CPRA Awards Program, please contact mjay@cpra.ca

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the Members of the Corporation will be held electronically, on the 3rd day of March, 2022 at 2:00pm and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, for the following purpose:

1. To receive and consider the financial statements of the Corporation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 together with the report of the Accountant thereon;

The following documents, as referred to in item 1 above, are will be posted to members-only side of the RMB website:

Financial Statements: RMB Year fiscal ended March 31, 2021

Members may register at this link

Town of Altona Recreation maintenance employee David Sawatzky prepared a report on air quality as a result of recent purchase of a portable air quality monitoring device by the Town of Altona Recreation Services.

See below for this report.

If you have feedback or comments on what your facility is doing to mitigate the issue of airborne transfer or if you have purchased or upgraded air purification devices please send your feedback to Shane at sray@recreationmb.ca and Eric at recreation.manager@altona.ca

Recreation MB would like to thank and acknowledge David Sawatzky for his efforts in preparing the report and Eric Hildebrand for sharing this information and allowing us to share and distribute it.

REPORT

Over the last few weeks we’ve been compiling some data in regards to the CO2 levels in our building.  It's been difficult since the activity level in our building has been a bit low since the start of the New Year but we’ve still managed to assess a few key areas.

We’ve spoken with a few different MB HVAC experts and have been told that 800 ppm is the level of CO2 we’re trying to stay below regarding the spread of Covid-19.  That said, a short term spike to 1000 ppm, or even 1200 ppm is acceptable assuming a return to normal levels afterwards.  Sustained CO2 levels above 1200 ppm indicate a need for better ventilation and levels above 1500 ppm for any sustained period (more than 10 minutes) would indicate a very high chance of Covid spread.

While CO2 levels give a good indication of where air quality needs to be improved each specific area is affected by 2 main factors:  how often the space is being used and how many people are using it at that specific time.  A few areas of our building have shown to be very well ventilated so far.  The Lobby area is not only large, but has enough residual airflow that CO2 levels never pushed past the 800 ppm level while monitoring.  The connected rec. offices (main and rec. programmer) also fared well with levels again staying within accepted levels, even when occupied for the entire work day.  The Rhineland Pioneer Centre areas, when being used for Pickleball and ballet, have also shown to be ventilated well enough for those particular activities.

The one area of our building that is concerning is the dressing rooms.  We've changed our air intake to fresh air only (instead of recycled air) which has improved overall air quality. Unfortunately they're also areas that are unsupervised with prolonged occupancy.

The chart below is from a typical Tuesday evening, Altona Minor Hockey “skills night”.  The monitor was in DR #2 (Dressing Room #2) which housed half of the U7 group at 4:30pm and half of the U13 group which started practice at 7:00pm.  As you can see CO2 levels were normal (500ppm avg.) prior to any kids arriving and hitting 1000ppm by the time they take the ice.  Over the next hour it drops, but only back to 750ppm and when they return, spiking up to 1150ppm.  After their practice the room sits empty until the U13 team arrives.  But in this empty space the CO2 levels only decrease to about 850ppm.  As the U13's get ready for practice the sustained levels are reading 1337ppm.  

While this was a typical evening of practices with smaller groups, a better indication of what full dressing rooms look like is the next example below.  January 16th saw a U18 game with the visiting team occupying DR#2 and the air quality monitor.  They arrived early, over an hour before game time and CO2 levels spiked quickly, rising from the normal 500ppm and reaching 2708ppm by the time the game started,  At these levels Covid-19 spread would almost be unavoidable.  After the first 2 periods levels had dropped to around 1400ppm  but again, quickly rose during intermission to close to 2000ppm.  After the game they again rose to 2000ppm.

There aren't many actions we can take to make our dressing room air quality better.  They're interior rooms, unable to access outside air except through the ventilation system.  The only real options are reducing occupancy numbers and reducing the amount of time spent inside the and or installing Air Purification units.   Back in 2020, before the seasons shut down, we had larger gaps between rentals to accommodate fresh air intake, spacing teams across multiple dressing rooms to reduce the number of occupants.  We also had rules regarding entry and exit times for teams, only allowing them to enter the facility 30 minutes prior to a practice/game and exiting immediately after.  We had messaged our main users (Altona Minor Hockey) to follow the same protocols this season.

If anyone is curious as to the type of monitor we purchased, the link is available here. https://www.es-canada.com/air-monitoring/46-monitoring-co2-temperature-relative-humidity-and-atmospheric-pressure-aranet4-home.html

As with any Covid related purchase, the receipt is being saved in the hopes that at some point there may be some type of relief program in place for municipalities that have incurred expenses due to Covid.

UPDATED February 2

Backgrounder from February 2

Public Health Order for December 20.

Clarification document re December 20. Click to view

Sport Manitoba Clarification regarding new PHO and sport

• Sport Participation Flow Chart V9_COVID_19_Guidance_Flowchart_14X14_1_.pdf
  

Sector Support Program

The Sector Support Program is a $22 million program that provides assistance to businesses affected by the COVID-19 public health order restrictions released on December 17, 2021 and are in effect from December 21, 2021 to January 11, 2022.  Recreation facilities are eligible to apply. Click for more information.

COVID-19 Public Health Orders for Indoor Youth Sports Provincial Implementation Guidance released December 2 for COMMUNITY FACILITIES

ENGLISH version

COVID-19 Public Health Orders for Indoor Youth Sports Provincial Implementation Guidance released December 2 for SCHOOLS

• FRENCH and ENGLISH versions

Negative Test and Single Dose Examples

• Sample of a negative rapid antigen test from a pharmacy
• Sample of proof of a single dose record from Shared Health website
  

Government of Manitoba resource website regarding indoor sports and vaccinations.

• This link is to a resource page form on the the Government of Manitoba website
  

COVID Screener Reference Guides

• You can download a reference guide out together by Recreation Manitoba for COVID screeners at this link.

Commissionaires Manitoba also produced a similar guide

• Commissionaires Manitoba  Job Aid for Immunization Verification(note has a sample of a negative antigen test)

Background info

• Background information from Province of Manitoba
  
• FAQ from the Province of Manitoba
  
• Province of Manitoba information piece with regards to Human Rights and COVID.
• Province of Manitoba COVID posters for facilities
• Questions and Answer from a Westman Recreation Facility Meeting
  

Verification App

You can download a copy of the Verification App at these two links

• Apple
• Android
  

The Province of Manitoba has developed this resource on using the Verification App.

The Province of Manitoba has provided these samples from other provinces to assist in identifying full vaccinated individuals

What is your organization mission statement and values?

The Manitoba Fitness Council Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality in fitness leadership in order to provide Manitobans with safe, effective and enjoyable physical activity programs. The MFC was formed in 1986 in response to a need for standardized training and recognized accreditation within the growing fitness industry. Since that time, the organization has broadened its mandate to include public education and advocacy for physical activity. MFC’s vision is one of a vibrant province where people are active and healthy.

What types of programs, services or events is your organization currently offering?

We offer weekly online workshops for professional development for fitness leaders an personal trainers. We also offer 10 different fitness leader certification options for people in Manitoba. Many of our certifications are offered online as well as in person.

Are there any upcoming programs, projects or event your organization would like to share?

We are currently working on a marketing campaign to get people back to the gym and back to regular physical activity. Look for commercials and social media messages which will be coming in the next few months. We have many certification courses available online, even online live.

What are the two or three biggest challenges your organization face?

We have lost a lot of fitness leaders throughout the pandemic, the need is still there and the classes are still there but we lost up to 15% of fitness leaders in the province. We are in the process of rebuilding these numbers and adding leaders that can inspire others to be active.

How many employees are currently employed in your organization?

• We have two full-time staff a part-time staff and 15+ contract staff.

Can you give us some two or three points of pride?

• We have been around for almost 35 years!
• We have worked with our partners across Canada to ensure that our certifications are relevant and represent best practice in the fitness industry
• We are easy to talk to.. have a question about fitness leader certification. we can help you understand it..

The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD) is interested in learning about the experiences of mothers and daughters (ages 9-15 years) in recreational sport and physical activity.

We want to explore how mothers with a disability participate with, or serve as mentors to, their school-aged daughters (9-15 years) to engage in recreational sport and physical activity, including learning about the unique barriers they face and what they need to participate.

We also want to explore the strategies that mothers employ, and the supports they need, to get their daughters (aged 9-15) with disabilities engaged in recreational sport and physical activity. 

By learning more about mothers’ and daughters’ experiences, and the role that families play in supporting one another to be active, we can help to influence community practices and policies that seek to increase and retain the participation of women and girls in recreational sport and physical activity.

Through participation in either focus groups or interviews with mothers and daughters , we will take the findings and develop resources for community recreation organizations to ensure that their programs, facilities, and services are welcoming and accessible to women and girls with disabilities. 

If you know of a mother, who herself has a disability or who has a daughter with a disability, and would be interested in participating in a focus group or interview, please ask her to contact Christa Costas-Bradstreet (Director of Partnerships, Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability) at christa.costas@outlook.com for more information or to schedule an interview (or participation in a focus group if we have enough people).

Being able to measure and probably evaluate is an important tool for parks and recreation practitioners to have to ensure they are meeting their goals and able to provide fact based evidence to funders.

The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI), together with Research Power Inc., is offering a complimentary training course for practitioners on evaluation and outcome measurement. This 5-session virtual training course will involve both synchronous (online course) and asynchronous (e.g., videos, supplementary materials) learning opportunities. These sessions will be offered at different times throughout the year. Please refer to the list of schedules for available dates and times.

Schedule of sessions

• Intensive session, Monday to Friday, December 6 to 10, 2021 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Eastern Time)
• Thursdays, January 13 to February 10, 2022 (12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Eastern Time)
• Wednesdays, January 19 to February 16, 2022 (3:30 pm to 5:30 pm Eastern Time)* French course
• Intensive session, Monday to Friday, February 14-18, 2022 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Eastern Time)
• Thursdays, February 24 to March 24, 2022 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Eastern Time)

Registration

Participants may register for the full 5-session course by emailing us at register.eval.course@cflri.ca. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited to a maximum of 20 participants per session.

For more information visit this link.

Recreation Manitoba is pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership Marmak. Asset management is a key component of running a successful facility and to be able to meet the challenge of both the present and future head on.

Our partnership with Marmak provides our members with access to software which allows them to be able efficiently and effectively manage those assets and the support and training to ensure they can implement an asset management program.

This partnership will provide Recreation Manitoba with the following benefits

1. Access to Inventory module at no cost ($2400 annual value / member).

2. Training and support for recreation asset management. 3. Ability to become RCMs at no cost (https://www.rfam.ca/rfam-certified-member)

4. Opportunity for Recreation MB members to attend joint Marmak and Recreation Manitoba to webinars and workshops for free.

5. Recreation Manitoba members will receive a reduced cost on having Marmak staff visit to collect inventory data for capital assets (https://www.rfam.ca/news/recreation-asset-inventory-collection-municipality-of-south-glengarry).

6. Recreation Manitoba members will receive help and support when applying for FCM Asset Management Funding.

Zachary Tarantino from Marmak had this to say “We are excited to renew our partnership with Recreation Manitoba. It has been a great opportunity to work with the members of Recreation Manitoba to help establish and develop recreation asset management. We are looking forward to many years of this successful partnership. Our thanks go to Shane Ray, all the staff at Recreation Manitoba, and the Board of Directors as well to make the opportunity possible!"

Marmak:

In 1999, Marmak established the Municipal Partnership Program to assist municipalities implement asset management solutions. This Municipal Partnership comprises of over 100 clients whose participation has resulted in the development of various solutions.

Marmak continues to grow its solutions offerings and garner a superb reputation for delivering cost effective, leading-edge municipal solutions.

RFAM:

Ontario Recreation Facilities Association approached Marmak in 2016 with an idea to collect and standardize recreation asset inventory for all of their members. That idea grew in functionality and adoption. RFAM now has over 10 modules for recreation operations and is being used and endorsed around the world by a variety of organizations.

RFAM currently has a number of partners from across Canada and the US. Our partners operate within the parks and recreation sector and have years of industry knowledge and expertise. They continually help enhance RFAM to better suit the needs and requirements of RFAM’s users. On a regular basis our partners have an active share in the development, marketing, and adoption of the RFAM product. Without their support RFAM would not be where it is today.

 

What is your organization mission statement and values? 

Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting active aging opportunities for all older Manitobans to enhance their health, mobility, and continuing participation in their community. We are also the provincial organization responsible for the planning and implementation of the annual Manitoba 55+ Games. Our office is located inside the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital, 1075 Leila Avenue in Winnipeg.

What types of programs, services or events is your organization currently offering?

Active Aging in Manitoba programs are designed to change the attitudes of all Manitobans towards healthy aging. Volunteer peer leaders are our core resource. These well-trained volunteers lead exercise classes, walking programs and facilitate presentations to educate all walks of life and all age ranges.

• Steppin’ up with Confidence is a peer-led exercise program that trains volunteers at no charge and supports them in offering free classes for older adults within their communities.  Steppin’ Up with Confidence is a program of Active Aging in Manitoba and was developed in partnership with the Manitoba Fitness Council. Some of our Peer Leaders are currently offering their classes online and via television until in-person can be resumed. All Manitobans 55 years of age or older interested in healthy, active aging and a desire to lead an exercise class for their peers are encouraged to get involved.  Contact our Master Trainer – Linda Brown at - lpstoesz@shaw.ca

Older adult volunteers who have completed training with AAIM present on various healthy aging and wellness topics in partnership with AAIM member organizations and partners. We are currently offering the following presentations at no charge to any community in Manitoba, virtually and in-person, if permitted under public health orders:

Manitoba 55+ Games is a cornerstone program that AAIM has offered for many years. This year, our Games, sponsored by Playnow.com, went virtual and were provided throughout the entire summer, versus a 3-day event hosted by a community in Manitoba. Interested individuals were required to register, track their activities on an activity tracker and then submit their stories and pictures at the end of the event to be eligible for prizes.

AAIM is also acts as an active living resource for older adults in Manitoba and is the backbone agency behind Active Aging week each year in October, part of our Manitoba Seniors & Elders Month.

Are there any upcoming programs, projects, or event your organization would like to share?

Take a Minute to Move TWOgether, built on our Take a Minute to Move Campaign, encouraging Older adults to move more, sit less and feel better throughout their day. AAIM Steppin’ Up with Confidence Peer Leaders will be reaching out to isolated older adults in their communities, and encouraging them to move more, sit less and feel better throughout their day, but more importantly, be a social connection for someone. Older adults can also call AAIM and be paired up with a volunteer who will guide them through a series of exercises that will be mailed out to them in advance of their first phone call or virtual meeting.

               Be Winter Active: Don’t Hibernate!

            a free webinar in partnership with Fort Whyte Alive

            Wed., November 17 from noon – 1 pm 

            Registration required: https://bit.ly/3m0PGJw

Falls Prevention - November is Falls Prevention Month.  

Linda Brown, AAIM’s Master Trainer & Certified Fall Prevention Educator, will be providing fall prevention tips throughout November.

What are the two or three biggest challenges your organization face?                     While we are doing our best offering training sessions, webinars, meetings via online platforms; connecting with volunteers, and the older adults we serve hasn’t always been easy.  Many do not have computer access or good Wi-Fi connectivity where they live. We know that in-person is often better, we are doing the best we can. We are using the telephone lot these days. Having to pivot quickly.  For example, we received a TD Park People grant and offered A Walk in the Park event in Kildonan Park.  A day before our event, Manitoba went into Code Orange. We quickly altered our plans while still getting our message across; the health benefits of connecting with parks and nature. It is essential to AAIM that we keep everyone safe, abiding by public health orders.

How many employees are currently employed in your organization?

 We are a very small organization, with only three employees and a large core of volunteers.

Can you give us some two or three points of pride?

The development of our Take a Minute to Move Campaign. We partnered with CJNU nostalgia radio and encouraged individuals to move more – sit less – and feel better throughout their day while staying safe at home. We created practical, easy exercises which aired three times a day; 8:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:30 pm on weekdays; 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm on weekends, February 15 through to April 4, 2021. You can access these exercises at Take a Minute to Move - Active Aging in Manitoba, listen to the audio, or access our handouts.

Our Peer Leaders took it upon themselves to continue reaching out to their participants during the pandemic, learning how to use virtual platforms to teach and even working with a local television station in Neepawa, which MTS cable also picked up. You can watch channel 1030 at 10:30 am on MTS cable if you’re able to access and participate in a Steppin’ up with Confidence class. Many of our Peer Leaders are continuing to offer their classes virtually and in – person following Public Health Guidelines.

The Manitoba 55+ Virtual Games were a resounding success with over 45 communities in Manitoba participating (Participant Map - Active Aging in Manitoba (activeagingmb.ca)), many who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to participate; ** I would add – Assisted living facilities and Day Hospital Programs to participants in The Pas and Flin Flon, Manitoba. As a result, we are considering a hybrid model moving forward to be more inclusive for all Manitobans to participate and have fun!

The Games this summer was a great success for our clients who really enjoyed the Virtual component of the Games this year! Thank you for the opportunity to participate! - Cheryl Lindsay B.R.S, Recreation Facilitator, Riverview Day Hospital

I participated in the 18-hole golf events - from June 14 to July 14. I golfed everyday except for 2 days when the temperature was 37 degrees. I was grateful to be able to participate because recently two of my best friends were diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I still have my health although my golf game certainly is not what it used to be. I have been participating in the senior games since they began. I missed 1 year. Thank you for organizing the 55 plus games despite COVID restrictions. Will be hoping for actual competitions next year.  Ida Theodore, Age 82

                           Website: www.activeagingmb.ca                      

Inquiries: info@activeagingmb.ca